. >> bob works for a private company, jerry is a state government employee. bob drives a nice car. jerry's car is 40% nicer. >> the disparity makes no sense. >> reporter: the taxpayer watchdog says california state workers bank an average $43.10 an hour compared to $30.65 for the private-sector employee. that's because the totals include wages, benefits and pensions. >> these pensions are unaffordable an freezing out basic services. >> reporter: the watchdog group says if this trend continues, sources like police and fire will suffer as the government pays pensions, not everyone agreed. >> to make a statement like that ignores a lot of facts and unique circumstances that are at work in many states and cities. >> reporter: the retirement administrators says pension contributions make up fewer than 9% of a state's budget. the association says the report demonizes workers. california received an f. in washington, jaqqueline fell. >>> president obama and republican nominee mitt romney are in their final hours of preparation for the first of three high stakes debates tomorrow. the presi